Conyers probe concludes

Michigan congressman to clarify ethics rules with staff.

Michigan congressman to clarify ethics rules with staff.

January 03, 2007

DETROIT (AP) -- The House ethics committee has closed its investigation of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, who has agreed to clarify work rules with his staff to ensure his office is in compliance with ethics regulations. Three former aides to the Detroit Democrat in March said the veteran lawmaker used them as baby sitters and personal servants while they were supposed to be working in his Michigan offices. The aides also said Conyers had them pay restaurant and motel bills. Conyers has served in the House since 1965 and is senior minority member of the House Judiciary Committee. He takes over as chair when the Democrats regain control of Congress next week. The committee launched an informal inquiry into the matter in December 2003. After reviewing information gathered during the inquiry, the committee concluded -- without commenting on whether there was any wrongdoing -- that it would best for Conyers to resolve the matter by taking steps to make sure his office complies with rules and standards regarding campaign and personal work, The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press reported Saturday. "Mr. Conyers is pleased to cooperate fully with the committee to resolve this matter," according to a statement released by Conyers' office. "He agrees that he could have been more explicit with staff and agrees to do so in the future." Conyers agreed to prohibit his congressional staff from performing any paid or voluntary campaign work during congressional sessions, unless the staff member takes a paid position on his campaign while on leave without pay from the office and obtains prior written approval from the ethics committee. He also agreed to have an annual meeting with staff to go over the rules regarding work responsibilities and hours; and require all staffers to attend a briefing with ethics committee lawyers to explain rules regarding congressional and campaign work.